This Pasta Salad For A Crowd is colorful, fresh, and oh-so-easy to make! It’s packed with tasty veggies, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together.
Perfect for parties or picnics, this dish will make you the star of any gathering. I love making a big bowl and just watching everyone come back for seconds. Who can say no to pasta? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using tri-color rotini for its fun look, but any pasta shape like fusilli, penne, or farfalle will work just as well. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little tomatoes add color and flavor. You can substitute them with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have.
Bell Peppers: I recommend using a mix of red and green for sweetness and crunch. Substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers for a sweeter taste or use cucumbers for a fresh twist.
Black Olives: Slice black olives in this salad, but green olives can also add a different flavor profile if you prefer. Just adjust the amount as needed.
Mozzarella Cheese: Cubed mozzarella provides a soft texture. You could use feta for a tangy bite or even diced cheddar if that suits your crowd’s taste better!
How Should I Cool the Pasta for My Salad?
Cooling your pasta properly makes a big difference in the final salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water right away. This stops the cooking and helps keep the pasta firm.
- Let the pasta sit in the colander for a few minutes to ensure excess water drains off.
- Transfer it to a mixing bowl and spread it out to cool faster. This keeps it from clumping together.
Cool pasta means a better salad texture! Enjoy making your delicious pasta salad for everyone!
How to Make Pasta Salad for a Crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds rotini pasta (tri-color or regular)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 20 minutes for this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely so it’s refreshing in your salad.
2. Mixing in the Veggies and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, cubed mozzarella cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Mix everything together gently, so it stays nice and chunky.
3. Dressing It Up:
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything well to ensure every bite is covered in tasty dressing. At this point, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add more dressing if you like it extra flavorful!
4. Adding Fresh Parsley:
Now, gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley. This will give your salad a lovely burst of flavor and a pop of color.
5. Chilling for Flavor:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a serving dish and cover. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully!
6. Serving Time:
Once chilled, your pasta salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for gatherings and is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy your delicious pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used in place of rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary based on the type of pasta. Make sure to rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process, just like with regular pasta!
How Can I Customize This Pasta Salad?
This recipe is highly customizable! You can add proteins like grilled chicken or canned tuna for extra heartiness. Feel free to include other veggies such as cucumbers, carrots, or spinach, and try different dressings for a unique twist. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain the salad’s balance!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served cold, so you can enjoy it straight from the fridge. If it seems dry after storage, just add a splash of dressing before serving!
Can I Prepare This Pasta Salad the Night Before?
Yes, preparing this pasta salad a day ahead is a great idea! It allows the flavors to develop even more. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge. If you’re concerned about it drying out, consider adding a bit more dressing right before serving.
